Schwannoma of the Palatine Tonsil

Abstract

Schwannomas can originate in any peripheral, autonomic, or cranial nerve except the olfactory and optic nerves. Between 25 and 48% of all schwannomas have been reported to arise in the head and neck, with the acoustic nerve being the most common site of origin there. Schwannomas of the palatine tonsil are rare; as far as we know, only 6 such cases have been previously reported in the literature; 5 of these 6 occurred in adults and the other in an adolescent. We report a new case in a 42-year-old woman, which was diagnosed on the basis of histopathology.

Schwanoma of tonsil

“…It can originate in any peripheral, autonomic or cranial nerve except the olfactory and optic nerve. 7 About 25 to 45% of all schwannomas occur in the head and neck region. 8 Only 1% cases may arise in oral cavity where tongue is the most common site but very rare in tonsil.…”

Novel surgical technique for management of tongue schwannoma: case report

“…7 Schwannomas originate from Schwann cells of nerve sheath and are also known as neurilemmomas, neurinoma and Schwann cell tumor. 7,8 Schwannomas are solitary, slow growing and encapsulated benign tumors. 1 It can originate in any peripheral, autonomic, or cranial nerve, except the olfactory and optic nerves, as these nerves lack Schwann cells.…”

“…1 It can originate in any peripheral, autonomic, or cranial nerve, except the olfactory and optic nerves, as these nerves lack Schwann cells. 8 Twenty-five to forty five percent of schwannomas have been reported to occur in the head and neck region, of which 90% are located at the level of cranial nerve VIII and only 1% in the oral cavity and oropharynx. 3,8 Tongue is the most common site in intra oral lesions followed by buccal mucosa, floor of mouth, palate, lips and gingiva.…”

“…The length of follow up remains debatable, long term follow up is not necessary if clearance margins are tumor free, but in doubtful cases, the patient should be annually reviewed. 8 Schwannomas are usually solitary lesions however multiple lesions are seen in Von Recklinghausen's disease and schwannomatosis. 1 Therefore, after confirming the histological diagnosis, a thorough examination of the patient should be done to rule out von Recklinghausen's syndrome and Neurofibromatosis -2.…”